BATTALION BAND

Southland Times, Issue 23000, 21 September 1936, Page 5

BATTALION BAND

SUNDAY NIGHT CONCERT APPEARANCE OF M. CHOSTIAKOFF A voluntary appearance by M. Senia Chostiakoff at the Battalion Band’s concert last evening sealed the success of the programme from the outset. The fact that the name of the famous singer had not appeared on the programme caused some members of the audience to wonder who the performer was when he stepped on to the platform. But when he began to sing all doubts were set at rest and everyone surrendered to the charm of his voice and his engaging personality. The concert, however, was by no means a “one-man show.” With the Battalion Band, under Lieutenant R. J. Simpson, in its best form and some outstanding individual performers the record attendance—hundreds of people were turned away—enjoyed a splendid night’s entertainment. The programme opened with a lively march, “The Jolly Coppersmith,” - followed by the hymn, “Lead Kindly Light,” which was played in complete darkness, only a light from the conductor’s baton being visible. Then “In a Persian Market” was given with full effects by the band. Miss Dorothy Foothead was heard in popular songs with full band accompaniment, while a cornet solo, “As You Pass By,” was played by Bandsman H. Larsen. This was followed by a bass novelty, “The Characteristic Bassplayer” featuring Sergeant M. Blackie and Bandsmen D. McDermid, L. Walker and J. Dyer. Hawaiian guitar duets were played by Miss M. Donovan and Frank Donovan, and Sergeant C. Lemin gave a euphonium solo. M. Chostiakoff then made his surprise appearance and sang “The Song of the Volga Boatman.” Bandsman E. Harvey and Corporal W. Lockett were featured in a trombone novelty “Boss Trombone.” Mr J. M. Harvey played violin solos and the band made a special feature of the novelties “Whistling Mary” and “Honey-Col-oured Moon.’ Mello-piano solos were given by Mr R. Raper and the band’s concluding number was “The Forge in the Forest,” the part of the smithy being played by Corporal W. Woodley, and the wolf scene acted by Bandsman V. C. Durant. Before thee lose Miss Foothead gave a short vocal recital featuring “When I Grow Too Old to Dream,” “The Sunset Trail” and “Cheek to Cheek.”

Sergeant C. C. Lemin acted as deputy-conductor, while Miss M. Fitzgerald and Messrs R. Henry and Gordon Lindsay were the accompanists.